Staff/Volunteers

KILI Radio officially went on air on February 25th, 1983. It was the first community radio station developed in Indian Country. Calvin Two Lance was the first DJ to speak in Lakota and English. Four decades later, KILI Radio continues to operate under the FCC and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting regulations. The station is classified as a Class C Public Radio station, which requires programming twenty (20) hours a day, from 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM, seven days a week.

Since 1983, KILI Radio has depended upon committed and reliable staff and volunteers in order to keep the station on the air, twenty (20) hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year.

At the present time, the station has three full time employees and 11 part time workers. The station broadcasts live from 6:00 A.M. to 2:00 A.M. Each day a music playlists air between the hours of 2 AM and 6 AM daily.

In addition to airing an eclectic array of music including traditional Lakota, other tribes, rock, country, blues and jazz, the station’s programming includes a variety of regular shows from tribal programs, nonprofits and local schools.

The following are some of the past and present staff and volunteers that helped keep KILI on the air since 1983.

KILI-station

KILI Radio Staff & Volunteers

  • Oitancan Mani "Oi" Zephier, CEO
  • "Hercules" Young Bear, Programming Director
  • Zaniwin, Office Assistant
  • Sports Broadcasters
    • Stacy Phelps
    • Ricky Gray Grass
    • Beau Lebeau
    • Justin Poor Bear
    • "Hercules"
    • Oi Zephier
  • DJs:
    • Darvis "Honky Tonk Man" Weston
    • DJ Troylynn
    • DJ Spinnerz
    • DJ Luke
    • DJ Mojo
    • "Muggs" Cross
    • Northern Hemis
    • Yam "Takin' You Back" Jack

Contracted or Volunteer help

  • Kathy Brewer: Accounting;
  • Donham & Associates: Auditing
  • Stacy Phelps: Proposal Writing/Administrative Support

In Memoriam

Over the last couple years, KILI Radio has lost four DJs. All of them contributed to KILI Radio being “The Voice of the Lakota Nation.” Each person brought a unique voice to KILI, connected to our community, and shared their interests and strong feelings, making their individual shows a strong asset to the station’s programming. Many thanks go to Charles New Holy, Bill “Giggles” Lone Hill, Savannah Jo Begay, and Lloyd Bianas.

So you want to be a DJ

We are always on the lookout for new DJ’s, men and women of all ages who are interested in sharing their voice, their humor, ideas and creativity with our audience. For those interested, training is provided including: operating the board, mission of KILI Radio, program logs, music choices, roles and responsibilities, announcements, weather and emergencies. For those interested in becoming a DJ, contact Derrick Janis at (605) 899-2069 or Oitancan "Oi" Mani Zephier (605) 488-0443 for training.